Motion detector camera

ABSTRACT

A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/217,327, filed Aug. 12, 2002, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/757,803,filed Jan. 10, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,387, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of cameras, and morespecifically to motion triggered cameras.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Cameras generally include a light-proof enclosure having anaperture with a shuttered lens through which the image of an object isfocused and recorded on a photosensitive film. A user typically triggersthe shutter to expose the film, thus allowing a picture to be made.

[0004] Sometimes it is desirable for a user to take a picture when theyare not present. For instance, the user may want to keep surveillance onan area for security or surveillance reasons. In some situations, thecamera is switched on and continuously scans the area. In othersituations, the camera is triggered by an event. For instance, U.S. Pat.No. 5,878,283 to House discusses a single-use camera that incorporates amotion sensor to activate the shutter and take a photograph. Othermotion detector cameras typically have a conventional, third-party 35 mmcamera mounted within a housing and are thus constricted as to theoptions the camera can provide.

SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present system includes a motion detectorcamera having a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motiondetector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller forcontrolling the camera mechanism in response to signals received fromthe motion detector. The motion detector camera includes a first powersource connected to the camera mechanism and a separate, second powersource connected to the motion detector.

[0006] Another aspect includes a motion detector camera having a cameramechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on asurface of the housing, and an activity counter mounted to the housing.The motion detector camera includes a controller having at least twooperating modes. In the first operating mode the controller activatesthe camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signalfrom the motion detector, and in the second operating mode thecontroller activates the activity counter and does not activate thecamera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs.

[0007] Another aspect includes a motion detector camera having a cameramechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on asurface of the housing, a controller for activating the camera mechanismwhen a triggering activity signal is received from the motion detector,and a shutter button located external to the housing to manuallyactivate the camera mechanism.

[0008] Another aspect includes a motion detector camera having digitalcamera electronics mounted within a housing, a flash, a motion detector,and a controller. The controller sends a signal to the flash and to thedigital camera electronics when the controller receives a triggeringsignal from the motion detector

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a motion detector camera according toone embodiment.

[0010]FIG. 2A shows a rear isometric view of the camera of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 2B shows another rear isometric view of the camera of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 show a schematic representation of the internal componentsof a motion detector camera according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 4A shows a front isometric view of a motion detector cameraaccording to one embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 4B shows details of a tripod of FIG. 4A.

[0015]FIG. 5A shows a front view of the camera of FIG. 4A.

[0016]FIG. 5B shows a side view of the camera of FIG. 4A.

[0017]FIG. 5C shows a rear view of the camera of FIG. 4A.

[0018]FIG. 6A shows a top view of a remote control for a motion detectorcamera according to one embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 6B shows a side view of the remote control of FIG. 6A.

[0020]FIG. 7 shows an exploded isometric view of a motion detectorcamera according to one embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 8 shows a partial bottom view of the camera of FIG. 7.

[0022]FIG. 9 shows a front view of a motion detector camera according toone embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 10 shows an exposed side view of the motion detector cameraof FIG. 9.

[0024]FIG. 11 shows a back view of the motion detector camera of FIG. 9.

[0025]FIG. 12 shows a front view of a motion detector camera accordingto one embodiment.

[0026]FIG. 13 shows an exposed side view of the motion detector cameraof FIG. 12.

[0027]FIG. 14 shows a back view of the motion detector camera of FIG.12.

[0028]FIG. 15 shows a side view of a tree-mountable camera supportaccording to one embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 16 shows a side view of further details of the camera supportof FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings showspecific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may beutilized and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention.

[0031]FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B show a motion detector camera 100 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Camera 100 includes a housing102, a lens 104, a motion detector such as infra-red sensor 106, and aflash 108.

[0032] Housing 102 is an enclosure for holding the various components ofthe camera. Housing 102 can be a plastic, metal or composite material.Housing 102 is sealed so as to be waterproof. In one embodiment, housing102 is adapted to be weatherproof to withstand temperature swings fromapproximately −40 degrees F. to approximately 100 degrees F. Mountedwithin housing 102 is the film for the camera, such as a 35 mm filmcartridge, an automatic film advance mechanism, and other conventionalcamera components. Also mounted within the housing is a power supply,such as 4 D-size batteries or other size batteries, or a solar powersource. These internal components will be described below.

[0033] On a bottom surface 110 of housing 102 is a mounting section 109,such as a threaded hole, for mounting housing 102 to a standard cameratripod or other camera support member sized to matingly fit withmounting section 109. Mounting section 109 can be a separate nut mountedto the housing or an integrally formed threaded hole. In one embodiment,attached to a front surface of housing 102 are a first light 112 and asecond light 114. First light 112 is an LED or other equivalent light.First light 112 is a power supply indicator which is activated when thepower supply within the housing becomes low. Second light 114 is also anLED or other equivalent light. Second light 114 is used as a testingindicator. Further details of various uses of lights 112 and 114 will bedescribed below.

[0034] In this embodiment, housing 102 is attachable to a support orstand 120. Stand 120 includes a base 121 which has a first arm 122attached at one end and a second arm 124 attached at a second end. Thisstructure provides an approximately U-shaped stand for mounting housing102. Stand 120 includes a mounting hole 126 in each arm which is locatedso that a mounting bolt 127 extends through hole 126 to attach to a hole128 in a side surface of housing 102 to mount the housing to the stand.In one example, mounting bolt 127 is a threaded bolt having ahand-turnable knob on one end and hole 128 is a threaded hole. Thisallows the housing 102 to be removably attached to stand 120, whilegiving a user the options of other attachment methods.

[0035] Base 121 of stand 120 includes a hole 132 which is located at thesame position relative to mounting member 109 of housing 102. A tripodmounting post can extend through hole 132 to mount with mounting member102. Thus, motion detector camera 100 can be mounted to a tripod eitherusing stand 120 or without the stand.

[0036] Another method of mounting housing 120 to a structure is providedby mounting members 142 and 144 located on the rear portion of housing102. In one example, mounting members 142 and 144 are slots located oneach rear corner, respectively, of the housing. As shown in FIG. 2B, amember such as a flexible band 150 can be threaded through the slots andattached to a surface, such as a tree, post, or other mounting surface.These various mounting methods can be combined so as to provide a securemounting of the camera. This allows the camera to be portable whilestill allowing a user to know it is secure.

[0037] Housing 102 includes a hole 147 in a rear surface of the housingfor mounting a threaded bolt 146 for holding portions of the housingtogether.

[0038] In this example, lens 104 is a fixed focus lens which can providea focus up to approximately 50 feet away. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other lens types may be substituted as necessary. In oneexample, an F5.6 lens is used. Alternatively, lenses can be used whichprovide fixed focus up to 15 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, or other distancesprovided by fixed focus lenses known in the art. In some embodiments, anauto-focus lens and focusing mechanism can be used. Lens 104 is awide-angle lens so that camera 100 is capable of taking pictures over awide range. In one embodiment, a ridge 155 is located above the lens tohelp shield and protect the lens.

[0039] Motion detector 106 can include an infrared sensor. In oneexample, motion detector 106 is a sensor which detects heat and motionup to 50 feet away from the housing. Other embodiments provide sensingup to 30 feet away. In this example, the infrared sensor has a 110degree angle coverage. Alternatively, motion detector 106 can be a lightsensor, an RF sensor or other equivalent motion or heat sensor.

[0040] In one embodiment, flash 108 provides a flash up to 23 feet away.Other size flashes for providing larger flash distances can beincorporated into the housing. For instance, one embodiment provides a50 foot flash. In the present embodiment, although contained within thesame overall housing 102, flash 108 is separate from lens 104, the filmadvance mechanism, and the other internal components of the camera. Inother words, flash 108 and the other camera components are not anintegral unit such as in a conventional 35 mm flash camera. As notedabove, some motion detector cameras have a conventional, third-party 35mm camera with a built-in flash mounted within a housing and are thusconstricted as to the options the camera can provide. Here, theseparate, yet all-in-one, structure of motion detector camera 100 allowsflash 108 to be larger than in conventional 35 mm cameras while stillproviding the portable structure provided by including all the necessarypicture taking components within a single housing 102.

[0041] In one embodiment, camera 100 includes a LCD display 157 fordisplaying the number of exposures taken by the camera. Display 157 canalso be used to display other information, such as power level and soforth.

[0042]FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the internal componentsof motion detector camera 100. Included within the camera housing arethe motion detector 106 and flash 108 described above. Shown hereschematically are a controller 301, the camera mechanism 302 whichincludes a camera shutter, an automatic film advance mechanism, andother conventional camera features, and a power supply 304.

[0043] Controller 301 is a control unit which includes circuitry and/orsoftware for controlling the functions of motion detector camera 100.Controller 301 is coupled to first light 112, second light 114, motiondetector 106, flash 108, camera mechanism 302, and power supply 304.

[0044] Controller 301 is programmable to provide a variety of functionsfor camera 100. In one example, motion detector 106 sends a signal tocontroller 301 when a triggering event occurs. One example of atriggering event is a motion detected by motion detector 106. Whencontroller 301 receives the signal indicating a triggering event, thecontroller then sends signals to flash 108 and camera mechanism 302 toactuate the shutter and take a picture, and to advance the film. In oneembodiment, a light sensor can be incorporated into camera 100 tomeasure the light available and the controller can omit sending a signalto flash 108 if it is not necessary for the picture being taken.

[0045] In another example, controller 301 is programmed to cause thecamera to take a predetermined number of exposures per triggering event.This places the controller into a burst state. For instance, a user maywant to have a burst of pictures taken when motion is detected. In thiscase, when controller 301 receives a signal from motion detector 106,the controller causes a series of exposures to be taken one afteranother in rapid succession. In one embodiment, the controller can beprogrammed by a user to provide anywhere between 1 and 9 exposures pertriggering event.

[0046] In another example, controller 301 is programmed so thatcontroller can be put into a pause state. When put into a pause state,the controller ignores any triggering events of motion detector 106until a pre-determined amount of time has elapsed. This allows a user toavoid wasting film when the motion detector is triggered by the samesource very quickly. In one embodiment, the controller is programmableby a user so that the time of the pause between possible exposures isset optionally between 1 to 60 minutes.

[0047] In another example, controller 301 senses the power remaining inpower supply 304 and when the power reaches a pre-determined low level,the controller activates first light 112 which acts as a low powerindicator. This allows a user to predict if a camera 100 which is goingto be unattended for a period of time will have enough power to functionduring the time period.

[0048] In another example, controller 301 activates second light 114 toperform testing functions. For instance, when controller 301 is put intoa testing state, the controller causes test light 114 to blink when themotion detector is triggered, but the controller does not cause thecamera to expose any film. This allows a user to test the camera withoutwasting any film. Another example causes test light 114 to blink whenthe camera is turned on, allowing a user to know the system is working.

[0049] In another example, controller 301 sends a signal to cameramechanism 302 so that, at a user's option, a hour/minute stamp is placedon a picture, a year/date/month stamp is placed on the picture, or atime and date stamp is placed on the picture. This option allows a userthe flexibility of choosing how to analyze the pictures taken.

[0050]FIG. 4A shows a camera 400 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. Camera 400 includes substantially the same componentsas camera 100 described above and certain details will be omitted.Camera 400 includes a housing 402, lens 404, motion detector 404, flash406, film counter display 457, and a controller (not shown).

[0051]FIG. 4B shows an example of a tripod 410 for mounting camera 400on as is shown in FIG. 4A. Camera 400 includes a mounting member in abottom surface to attach the camera to tripod 410.

[0052]FIGS. 5A-5C show a front, side and rear view of motion detectorcamera 400. Camera 400 includes an IR receiver 460 and a light 462 suchas an LED. In this embodiment, camera 100 includes DC jack 464 foroptionally providing external power to the camera. As shown in FIG. 5C,batteries 468 can also be used as a power supply. In one option, a solarcollector is provided on a surface of the camera, and the camera ispartially or completely powered by a solar power cell as the powersupply. Camera 400 includes a mounting base 466 and camera controls 470on a rear side of the camera. Camera controls 470 can include featuresto program the controller of camera 400 to perform the functionsdescribed above for camera 100.

[0053]FIGS. 6A and 6B show a remote control 600 for use with a motiondetector camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.Remote control 600 includes a hand-held body 602 which includes an IRtransmitter 604 and an actuating switch 606. In one embodiment, remotecontrol 600 communicates with a camera, such as camera 400, by sending asignal via IR transmitter 604 to IR receiver 460 (See FIG. 5A). A usercan utilize remote control 600 to turn on the camera, test the camera,or to change various functions of the camera.

[0054]FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a motion detector camera 700according to another embodiment of the present invention. Camera 700includes a housing 702, a camera section 704, and a motion detector 706.

[0055] Housing 702 includes a two-part structure including a frontmember 703 a which is removably mountable with a rear member 703 b. Inthis embodiment, members 703 a and 703 b are clear plastic members.Alternatively they can be other types of plastic, or metal members. Apair of latches 742 are located on rear member 703 b. Front member 703 aincludes a matching set of mounting members 743 which couple withlatches 742. In this embodiment, when latched together, housing 702 is awaterproof housing. Housing 702 also includes attachment members such asslots 741 for threading a flexible band 730 through for attaching thecamera to a mounting surface. Camera 700 includes mounting members suchas slots 740 for mounting flexible band 730 directly to an enclosure760.

[0056] Camera section 704 includes a lens 705 and a flash 707. In thisembodiment, one or more conventional camera features such as automaticfocus sensors and automatic flash sensors 708 are included.Alternatively, a fixed focus lens can be utilized.

[0057] Motion detector 706 is mounted within enclosure 760 which alsoincludes one or more lights 710 and 712, which are substantiallyequivalent to lights 112 and 114 described above for camera 100.

[0058] A controller is mounted within enclosure 760 and coupled to thevarious components of camera 700 as shown above in FIG. 3 for camera100.

[0059] Camera 700 is relatively compact. In one embodiment, the camerahas overall dimensions of approximately (147 mm×140 mm×67 mm). Thiscompact size allows for easy portability and allows the camera to beeasily hidden. In one example, a hole can be incorporated into the topsurface of housing 702 to allow a user to manually access the shutterbutton of camera 704.

[0060]FIG. 8 show a partial view of the bottom of camera 700. In thisembodiment, camera 700 includes a tripod-type mounting member, such as athreaded hole 804 in a bottom surface of the camera, or a separatethreaded nut can be mounted to the bottom surface of the camera. A hole802 is located in a bottom surface of housing 702 for a tripod-typemounting post to extend through.

[0061]FIGS. 9-11 show a front view, side view, and back view,respectively, of a motion detector camera 900 according to oneembodiment. Camera 900 includes some features similar to the motioncameras discussed above and certain details will be omitted for sake ofclarity. In general, camera 900 includes a housing 902, a lens 904, aflash, 908, and a motion detector 906, such as an infra-red sensor toactivate the camera by detecting heat and motion.

[0062] In this example, housing 902 is a two-part enclosure for holdingthe various components of the camera. Front and back shells of housing902 are coupled together by a pair of hinges 909. A latch 911 isprovided for opening and closing the shells. Housing 902 can be aweather-proof or weather-resistant housing. Mounted within housing 902is a camera mechanism 913. In one embodiment, within camera mechanism913 is the film for the camera, such as a 35 mm film cartridge, anautomatic film advance mechanism, and other conventional film cameracomponents.

[0063] In one example, camera mechanism 913 can include digital cameracomponents including a light sensitive chip and one or more outputs(such as video out outputs or a USB port) for outputting the digitalimages to a TV, a computer, or a storage device. A digital camera canalso include a removable or permanent flash-memory card to hold images.In one example, an 8 Mbyte flash memory is provided to hold up to 116images. In one example, a viewfinder screen can be provided. Thecontroller can be programmed to time and date stamp the digital images.Also, the controller can be programmed to store the time and date of atriggering activity in a memory, with or without taking a picture. Thisactivity information can then be downloaded, saved, and analyzed. In oneexample, a digital resolution of 640×480 is provided.

[0064] Also mounted within the housing is a power supply 915, such as 8C-size batteries. Depending on use, other batteries (2 or 4 C-sizebatteries, AA batteries, D batteries, etc.) or a solar power supply canbe used as power source 915. In one embodiment, power supply 915 isseparated into a dual power supply. In a dual power supply, a firstportion of power supply 915, such as one or more batteries 915A, areused to power flash 908 and camera mechanism 913 while a second portionof power supply 915, such as one or more batteries 915B, are used topower motion detector 906. By separately powering the motion sensor andthe camera/flash components, the present system helps avoids either theflash or the motion sensor from draining off too much power. Among otheradvantages, this allows the flash to be quickly recharged and the systemto last longer without needing new batteries.

[0065] On a bottom surface of housing 902 is a mounting section 916,such as a threaded hole, for mounting housing 902 to a standard cameratripod or other standard-sized camera mounting member. The mountingsection can also be a separate nut attached to the camera housing. Othermounting and securing means discussed above can be incorporated intocamera 900. Exposed on a front surface of housing 902 are a low batterylight 912 and a test light 914 which are similar to lights 112 and 114discussed above for camera 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, motion detector 906 is a passive infraredmotion sensor to detect heat and motion. In one example, motion detector906 is a sensor which detects motion up to 50 feet away from thehousing. Other embodiments provide sensing up to 23 feet away. Themotion sensor can have a vertical coverage range of approximately 60degrees and a horizontal coverage range of approximately 45 degrees.Some embodiments include an adjustable detector 906 and a button,slider, or other actuating member 918 on the housing to allow a user tocontrol the effective distance of motion detector 906. The controllercan also be programmed to control the effective distance of the sensor.For example, the user can acuate member 918 and the controller can varythe effective distance of detector 906 from 15 feet to 30 feet. Thisallows a user to control the proper distance to be sensed while usingthe present system. In some embodiments, motion detector 906 can be alight sensor, an RF sensor, an active IR sensor, or other equivalentmotion sensor.

[0067] In this example, flash 908 is effective up to approximately 23feet when the camera is used with ISO 200 film. With ISO 400 film it iseffective up to approximately 33 feet, and with ISO 800 film it iseffective to approximately 46 feet. One example uses a flash having aneffective distance of up to 90 feet. As discussed above for camera 100,although flash 908 is contained within the same housing 902 as the restof the camera mechanism, flash 908 is separate from lens 904 and theother mechanism 913 of the camera. In other words, flash 908 and theother camera components are not an integral unit such as in aconventional 35 mm flash camera. Again, this separate, yet all-in-one,structure of motion detector camera 900 allows flash 908 to be largerthan in conventional 35 mm or digital cameras while still providing theportable structure provided by including all the necessary picturetaking components within a single housing 902.

[0068]FIG. 10 shows a display 957, motion detector 906, and flash 908coupled to one or more printed circuit boards 975. One or moreprocessors, memory chips, circuitry and/or software, etc. forcontrolling the functions of motion detector camera 900 can be mountedto PCBs 975 to constitute a controller 901 for camera 900. Here, thecontroller is shown schematically as controller 901. Controller 901 isoperatively coupled to first light 912, second light 914, motiondetector 906, flash 908, camera mechanism 913, and power supply 915.

[0069] Controller 901 is programmable to provide a variety of functionsfor camera 900. In one example, motion detector 906 sends a signal tocontroller 901 when a triggering event occurs. One example of atriggering event is a motion detected by motion detector 906. Whencontroller 901 receives the signal indicating a triggering event, thecontroller send signals to flash 908 and camera mechanism 913 to actuatethe shutter and take a picture, and to advance the film. In oneembodiment, a light sensor 905 (FIG. 9) is incorporated into camera 900to measure the light available and the controller can omit sending asignal to flash 908 if it is not necessary for the picture being taken.

[0070] In one embodiment, display 957, such as an LCD display, is fordisplaying information such as the number of exposures taken by thecamera. Display 957 can also be used to display other information, suchas power level and so forth. In one embodiment, display 957 can also beused as an activity counter displaying the number of triggeringactivities sensed by the motion sensor. For example, if display 957 isused as an activity counter, controller 901 can increase the activitycounter by one when motion detector 906 is triggered and sends atriggering signal to the controller.

[0071] In one operating mode, the activity counter can increase and apicture can be taken when the signal is received. In another mode, thecontroller can be set so that only the activity counter increases, and apicture is not taken. In one example, the activity counter can increasewhile pictures are being taken and when the film runs out, the activitycounter can increase while no pictures are taken.

[0072] In some examples, the activity counter can be controlled to havea pause state or sleep state between activations. For example, when onetriggering signal is sent from the motion detector to the controller,the controller can increase the activity counter by one and then go intoa pause state and ignore the motion detector for a period of time (1-60minutes, for example). This prevents a single motion activity fromcausing an inordinate amount of triggering signals.

[0073] In one example, the controller goes into the activity countingmode automatically when the camera runs out of film. Thus, the cameracan take 24 or 36 exposures for example, and when the film roll runsout, the activity counter continues to count the times the motion sensoris triggered. This allows a user to have a better idea of activity inthe area even if the camera is out of film. In another example,controller 901 can include a date and time stamp chip and any triggeringactivities sensed by the camera can be saved in a memory (with orwithout taking a picture).

[0074] In one example, controller 901 is programmed to cause the camerato take a pre-determined number of exposures per triggering event. Thisplaces the controller into a burst state. For instance, a user may wantto have a burst of pictures taken when motion is detected. In this case,when controller 901 receives a signal from motion detector 906, thecontroller causes a series of exposures to be taken one after another inrapid succession. In one embodiment, the controller can be programmed bya user to provide anywhere between 1 and 9 exposures per triggeringevent. The time between burst can be up to approximately 10 seconds,allowing time for the flash to recharge.

[0075] In one example, controller 901 is programmed so that controllercan be put into a pause state. When put into a pause state, thecontroller ignores any triggering events of motion detector 906 until apre-determined amount of time has elapsed. This allows a user to avoidwasting film when the motion detector is triggered by the same sourcevery quickly. In one embodiment, the controller is programmable by auser so that the time of the pause between possible exposures is setoptionally between 1 to 60 minutes. Other times the controller can beprogrammed to ignore a triggering activity, for example, during flashcharging or when film is being removed.

[0076] In another example, controller 901 senses the power remaining inpower supply 915 and when the power reaches a pre-determined low level,the controller activates first light 912 which acts as a low powerindicator. This allows a user to predict if a camera 900 which is goingto be unattended for a period of time will have enough power to functionduring the time period.

[0077] In another example, controller 901 activates second light 914 toperform testing functions. For instance, when controller 901 is put intoa testing state by an actuating switch 917, the controller causes testlight 914 to blink when the motion detector is triggered, but thecontroller does not cause the camera to expose any film. This allows auser to test the camera without wasting any film. Another example causestest light 914 to blink when the camera is turned on, allowing a user toknow it is working. Actuating switch 917 can include a standby mode. Instandby mode, a user can change the batteries of the camera without thecamera auto-rewinding. Also, standby mode can be used to move the camerato another location without losing any information in the memory.

[0078] In another example, controller 901 sends a signal to cameramechanism 913 so that, at a user's option, an hour/minute stamp isplaced on a picture, a year/date/month stamp is placed on the picture,or a time and date stamp is placed on a picture. This option allows auser the flexibility of choosing how to analyze the pictures taken.

[0079]FIGS. 12-14 show a front view, side view, and back view,respectively, of a motion detector camera 1200 according to oneembodiment. Camera 1200 includes some features similar to the motioncameras discussed above and certain details will be omitted for sake ofclarity. In general, camera 1200 includes a housing 1202, a lens 1204, aflash, 1208, and a motion detector 1206, such as an infra-red sensor toactivate the camera by detecting heat and motion.

[0080] In this example, housing 1202 is a two-part enclosure for holdingthe various components of the camera. Housing 1202 can be a plastic,metal or composite material. In this example, housing 1202 includes apair of hinges 1209 coupling the front and back shells of the housing1202 together. A latch 1211 is provided for opening and closing theshells. Mounted within housing 1202 is a camera mechanism 1213. In oneembodiment, camera mechanism 1213 includes film for the camera, such asa 35 mm film cartridge, an automatic film advance mechanism, and otherconventional film camera components.

[0081] As discussed above, camera mechanism 1213 can include digitalcamera components including a light sensitive chip and one or moreoutputs, such as video-out ports or USB ports, for outputting thedigital images to a TV, a computer, or a storage device. A digitalcamera can also include a permanent or removable flash-memory card tohold images. In one example, an 8 Mbyte flash memory is provided to holdup to 116 images. In one example, a viewfinder screen can be provided.The controller can be programmed to time and date stamp the digitalimages. Also, the controller can be programmed to store the time anddate of a triggering activity in a memory, with or without taking apicture. This activity information can then be analyzed. In one example,a digital resolution of 640×480 is provided.

[0082] Also mounted within the housing is a power supply 1215 such as 4C-size batteries. Other batteries (2 C-size batteries, AA batteries, Dbatteries, etc.) can also be used. In one example, power supply 1215includes a solar power supply. In one embodiment, power supply 1215 isseparated into a dual power supply. In a dual power supply, a firstportion of power supply 1215, such as one or more batteries 1215A, areused to power flash 1208 and camera mechanism 1213, while a secondportion of power supply 1215, such as one or more batteries 1215B, areused to power IR sensor 1206. By separately powering the motion detectorand the camera/flash components, the present system helps avoids themotion detector or the flash from draining off too much power. Moreover,it allows the flash to be quickly recharged.

[0083] On a bottom surface of housing 1202 is a mounting section 1216,such as a threaded hole or separate nut, for mounting housing 1202 to astandard camera tripod or other standard-sized camera mounting member.Other mounting and securing means discussed above can be incorporatedinto camera 1200, such as strap holder 1280. Exposed on a front surfaceof housing 1202 are a low battery light 1212 and a test light 1214 whichare similar to lights 112 and 114 discussed above for camera 100.

[0084] In one embodiment, motion detector 106 is an infrared motionsensor to detect heat and motion. In one example, motion detector 106 isa sensor which detects motion up to 50 feet away from the housing. Otherembodiments provide sensing up to 23 feet away. Again, an actuatingmember can be provided to allow a user to control the effective distanceof the sensor. The motion sensor can have a vertical coverage range ofapproximately 60 degrees and a horizontal coverage range ofapproximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, motion detector 1206 canbe a light sensor, an RF sensor, an active IR sensor, or otherequivalent motion sensor.

[0085] In this example, flash 1208 is effective up to approximately 10feet when the camera is used with ISO 200 film. With ISO 400 film it iseffective up to approximately 14 feet, and with ISO 800 film it iseffective to approximately 21 feet. As discussed above for camera 100,although flash 1208 is contained within the same housing 1202 as therest of the camera mechanism, flash 1208 is separate from lens 1204 andthe other mechanism 1213 of the camera. In other words, flash 1208 andthe other camera components are not an integral unit such as in aconventional 35 mm flash camera. Again, this separate, yet all-in-one,structure of motion detector camera 1200 allows flash 1208 to be largerthan in conventional 35 mm cameras while still providing the portablestructure provided by including all the necessary picture takingcomponents within a single housing 1202. Also, as discussed above, alight sensor 1205 can be incorporated into the camera to only activatethe flash when it is necessary.

[0086] Camera 1200 includes a display 1257, such as an LCD display fordisplaying the number of exposures taken by the camera. Display 1257 canalso be used to display other information, such as power level and soforth. In one embodiment, display 1257 can also be used as an activitycounter, similar to the display 957 discussed above for camera 900.

[0087]FIG. 13 shows motion detector 1206 and the other components ofcamera 1200 coupled to one or more printed circuit boards 1275. One ormore processors, memory chips, circuitry and/or software for controllingthe functions of motion detector camera 1200 can be mounted to PCBs 1275to constitute a controller 1201 for camera 1200. Here, the controller isshown schematically as controller 1201.

[0088] Controller 1201 is programmable similar to the controllersdiscussed above, and the above descriptions are incorporated herein byreference. In addition, camera 1200 includes a viewfinder 1234.Viewfinder 1234 is a flip-up viewer hingedly coupled to a top surface ofhousing 1202. A shutter button 1232 is also located on an externalsurface of the housing, in this example, on the top surface. Externalshutter button 1232 allows camera mechanism 1213 to be activatedmanually by a user. Viewfinder 1234 allows a user to frame the picture.Thus, camera 1200 allows a user to use the camera as a stand-alonemanually operated camera or mounted to a stand using tripod-type mount1216 or strap mount 1280 and used as a motion detector camera. In oneexample, camera 1200 is a relatively small camera having dimensions ofapproximately 14.5 cm×20.0 cm×6.5 cm.

[0089]FIG. 15 shows a side view of a tree-mountable camera support 15for mounting one or more camera discussed above to a tree or othersimilar structure. Support 15 includes a first end 17 having a mountingsection 18 for mounting the support to a tree. In one example, mountingsection 18 includes a threaded wood-screw structure. This allows support15 to be mounted to a tree by screwing mounting section 18 into thetree. A second end 19 of support 15 includes a camera mounting portion21. Mounting portion 21 includes a threaded post or bolt for mounting acamera to the support. The mounting portion can include atripod-standard ¼″-20 threads/inch post. Posts having other sizes({fraction (3/8)}″ or ½″, for example) can also be used in someembodiments. Camera mounting portion 21 is oriented perpendicular tomounting section 18, allowing mounting section 18 to be mounted to atree and camera mounting portion 21 to be ready to mount a camera to ina upright orientation.

[0090] In one example, support 15 includes a bent structure includingfour sections 23, 25, 27, and 29. Section 25 extends perpendicularlyfrom an end of section 23. Section 27 extends perpendicularly from anend of section 25 and parallel to section 23. Sections 23, 25, and 27define a U-shaped structure. Section 29 extends perpendicularly from anend of section 27 and is parallel to section 25. This bent structuregives support 15 a sturdier structure for supporting a camera.

[0091]FIG. 16 shows a side view of further details of camera support 15.In this example of using support 15, the support includes a nut 30 and awasher 32 mounted on mounting portion 21. A corresponding portion ofcamera 900 (or any of the camera discussed above) includes a threadedarea 34 which is threaded to mate with mounting portion 21. Threadedarea 34 can be a separate nut mounted to the camera or can be anintegrally threaded portion of the camera. These members act as alocking mechanism to tightly hold the camera to mounting member 15. Inuse, threaded area 34 is screwed down upon mounting portion 21 until thebottom of the camera is approximately flush against the top surface ofwasher 32. Then nut 30 is tightened up against the camera to tightlyhold the camera in place. To turn the camera to a different position,nut 30 is loosened, the camera is turned, and nut 30 is tightened again.

[0092] In one example use of one or more of the motion cameraembodiments described above, the camera system is used for surveillanceof game trials in a forest. For example, one or more of the camerasdescribed above can be placed near a trail a user suspects may befrequented by an animal such as deer. The cameras can be mounted to atree using flexible bands such as bands 150 or 730, tree support 15, orother means. A lock can be incorporated into the band to providesecurity.

[0093] The controllers of the cameras can be set by a user to provideone or more of the features described above. For instance, a controllercan be optionally set to provide bursts of pictures when an animaltriggers the motion detector. Also, the controller can be optionally setto go into pause state after each triggering event. This can be usefulwhen a single animal is within the range of the motion detector for along period of time. The controller can also be optionally set so thatthe camera can alternatively place an hour/minute stamp on a picture, ayear/date/month stamp on a picture, or a time and date stamp on thepicture. This is useful for a hunter to analyze the movement habits ofthe wildlife. One example allows a user to manually activate the cameraif necessary. One embodiment provides an activity counter which cancontinue to count triggering activities even if the camera is out offilm. One embodiment provides a dual-power system providing for longerbattery life. One example saves the time and date stamp or otherinformation of a triggering activity in a memory located in the camera.

[0094] Another example of a use of the system is as a security camerasystem. One or more of the cameras can be mounted to a house or in thearea around a house or store. Again, the hour/minute stamp on a pictureor a year/date/month stamp can be utilized, as well as the otherfeatures described above.

[0095] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skillin the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motion detector camera comprising: a housing; acamera mechanism mounted within the housing; a motion detector; acontroller connected to the camera mechanism and the motion detector;and a display screen exposed on an outer surface of the housing.
 2. Themotion detector camera of claim 1, wherein the display screen includesan LCD screen.
 3. The motion detector camera of claim 1, wherein thehousing is adapted to be mountable with a back surface of the housingagainst a supporting object such that the display screen is exposed on afront surface of the housing.
 4. The motion detector camera of claim 1,wherein the camera mechanism includes digital camera electronics.
 5. Themotion detector camera of claim 1, wherein the display screen isconfigured to display a power level of a power source located within thehousing.
 6. The motion detector camera of claim 1, wherein the displayscreen is configured to display a number of triggering activitiesreceived by the controller from the motion detector.
 7. The motiondetector camera of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a pausestate, wherein when put into the pause state, the controller does notactivate the camera mechanism after receiving a triggering event signalfrom the motion detector.
 8. The motion detector camera of claim 1,wherein the controller includes a test mode, wherein when put into thetest mode, the controller causes a test indicator to activate but doesnot cause the camera mechanism to take a picture.
 9. A motion detectorcamera comprising: a camera mechanism located inside a housing; a motiondetector exposed on a surface of the housing; an activity counter fordisplaying a number of triggering signals received from the motiondetector; and a controller to receive the triggering signals from themotion detector, wherein when the controller receives a triggeringsignal from the motion detector, the controller increases the numberdisplayed by the activity counter.
 10. The motion detector camera ofclaim 9, wherein the controller includes a test mode, wherein when putinto the test mode the controller activates a test indicator and doesnot activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. 11.The motion detector of claim 9, wherein the camera mechanism includesdigital camera electronics.
 12. The motion detector camera of claim 9,including a flash exposed on a surface of the housing and having a rangeof at least 23 feet.
 13. The motion detector camera of claim 9, whereinthe controller includes a pause state, wherein when put into the pausestate, the controller does not activate the camera mechanism afterreceiving a triggering event signal from the motion detector.
 14. Amotion detector camera comprising: a camera mechanism mounted inside ahousing; a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing; anactivity counter for recording a number of triggering signals receivedfrom the motion detector; and a controller to receive the triggeringsignals from the motion detector, wherein when the controller receives atriggering signal from the motion detector, the controller increases thenumber recorded by the activity counter.
 15. The motion detector cameraof claim 14, wherein the camera mechanism includes digital cameraelectronics.
 16. The motion detector camera of claim 14, including aflash exposed on a surface of the housing and having a range of at least23 feet.
 17. The motion detector camera of claim 14, wherein thecontroller includes a pause state, wherein when put into the pausestate, the controller does not activate the camera mechanism afterreceiving a triggering event signal from the motion detector.
 18. Amotion detector camera comprising: a housing; a camera mechanism mountedwithin the housing; a motion detector exposed on a surface of thehousing; a controller operatively coupled to the camera mechanism andthe motion detector, wherein the controller is adapted to send anactivation signal to the camera mechanism when the controller receives atriggering signal from the motion detector; and a memory connected tothe controller, wherein the controller can be programmed to store anumber designating a total of the received triggering signals in thememory.
 19. The motion detector camera of claim 18, wherein thecontroller can be programmed to time and date stamp each of thetriggering signals in the memory.
 20. The motion detector camera ofclaim 19, wherein a user can retrieve the time and date of each of thetriggering signals from the memory.
 21. The motion detector camera ofclaim 18, wherein the controller includes at least two operating modes,wherein in a first mode the controller activates the camera mechanismwhen the controller receives a triggering signal from the motiondetector, and wherein in a second mode the controller stores thetriggering signal in the memory and does not activate the cameramechanism when the controller receives the triggering signal from themotion detector.
 22. The motion detector camera of claim 18, wherein thecontroller includes a test mode wherein the controller activates a testindicator and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggeringsignal is received from the motion detector.
 23. A motion detectorcamera comprising: a housing; a printed circuit board mounted within thehousing; digital camera electronics mounted to the circuit board; amotion detector exposed on a surface of the housing; a controller forcontrolling the digital camera electronics in response to signalsreceived from the motion detector; a flash connected to the circuitboard; a first power source connected to the flash and the digitalcamera electronics; and a second power source connected to the motiondetector and not connected to the flash and the digital cameraelectronics.
 24. The motion detector camera of claim 23, wherein thefirst power source and the second power source are both mounted with abattery holding area within the housing.
 25. The motion detector cameraof claim 23, wherein at least one of the first power source and thesecond power source includes a solar power source.
 26. The motiondetector camera of claim 23, wherein the first power source and thesecond power source include two or more batteries mounted togetherwithin the housing.
 27. The motion detector camera of claim 23, whereinthe controller includes a pause state, wherein when put into the pausestate, the controller does not activate the camera mechanism afterreceiving a triggering event signal from the motion detector.
 28. Themotion detector camera of claim 23, wherein the controller includes atest mode, wherein when put into the test mode, the controller causes atest indicator to activate but does not cause the camera mechanism totake a picture.
 29. A motion detector camera comprising: a cameramechanism mounted inside a housing; a motion detector exposed on asurface of the housing; and a controller to control the camera mechanismin response to triggering signals received from the motion detector;wherein the motion detector is adjustable to alternatively detect motionat up to two different distances.
 30. The motion detector camera ofclaim 29, wherein the controller includes a pause state, wherein whenput into the pause state, the controller does not activate the cameramechanism after receiving a triggering event signal from the motiondetector.
 31. The motion detector camera of claim 29, wherein thecontroller includes a test mode, wherein when put into the test mode,the controller causes a test indicator to activate but does not causethe camera mechanism to take a picture.
 32. A motion detector cameracomprising: a housing; a camera mechanism mounted within the housing; apower source connected to the camera mechanism; a motion detectorexposed on a surface of the housing; a controller operatively coupled tothe camera mechanism and the motion detector, wherein the controller isadapted to send an activation signal to the camera mechanism when thecontroller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector; and anindicator on a surface of the housing to indicate when the power sourceis low on power.
 33. The motion detector camera of claim 32, wherein thepower source includes one or more batteries mounted within the housing.34. The motion detector of claim 32, wherein the indicator includes alight.
 35. The motion detector camera of claim 32, wherein thecontroller includes a pause state, wherein when put into the pausestate, the controller does not activate the camera mechanism afterreceiving a triggering event signal from the motion detector.
 36. Themotion detector camera of claim 32, wherein the controller includes atest mode, wherein when put into the test mode, the controller causes atest indicator to activate but does not cause the camera mechanism totake a picture.
 37. A motion detector camera comprising: a cameramechanism located inside a housing; a motion detector exposed on asurface of the housing; and a controller coupled to the camera mechanismto send activation signals to the camera mechanism in response totriggering signals received from the motion detector, the controllerincluding a pause state, wherein when put into the pause state, thecontroller does not send any activation signals to the camera mechanismuntil a pre-determined amount of time has elapsed.
 38. The motiondetector camera of claim 48, wherein the pause state is adjustable frombetween a 1 minute pause to a 60 minute pause.
 39. The motion detectorcamera of claim 48, wherein the camera mechanism includes digital cameraelectronics.
 40. A method comprising: providing a motion detector cameraconfigured to take pictures of activities happening away from the motiondetector camera; and displaying information concerning the motiondetector camera on a display on a surface of the motion detector camera.41. The method of claim 40, wherein displaying information includesdisplaying a power level of a power source within the motion detectorcamera.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein displaying informationincludes displaying a number of triggering activities received from amotion detector of the motion detector camera.
 43. A method comprising:a controller in a motion detector camera receiving triggering signalsfrom a motion detector; storing information concerning the triggeringsignals in a memory of the motion detector camera; and retrieving theinformation concerning one or more of the triggering signals from thememory.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein retrieving the informationincludes retrieving a date and a time of a triggering signal.
 45. Themethod of claim 43, wherein retrieving the information includesretrieving a number from the memory indicating a total number oftriggering signals stored in the memory.
 46. A method comprising:setting a motion detector on a motion detector camera to detect motionoccurring between the camera and a first distance away from the cameraor occurring between the camera and a second, longer distance away fromthe camera; and activating a camera mechanism within the motion detectorcamera in response to signals received from the motion detector.
 47. Themethod of claim 46, further including activating a flash in response tosignals received from the motion detector.
 48. The method of claim 46,wherein the motion detector includes an infrared sensor.